“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
James calls the tongue a “fire” and an “unruly evil.” When we allow our heart to run wild with fiery emotions, it is only a matter of time before our mouth is set in motion.
Each day has its share of danger. Anger can suddenly arise within us like a brushfire and quickly spiral out of control without the tempering of God’s Spirit. If we are to rule our spirit, we must let the Holy Spirit rule in our heart. Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit. Self cannot control self. When we try and deal with how we feel on our own our heart does not get better. The fire smolders under the surface until it finally breaks out. “Blow outs” are always preceded by “build ups.” The Word of God advises us to act quickly when anger flares, not allowing the sun to go down on our wrath. Time is of the essence. God’s help must be enlisted – the sooner, the better.
When your anger is kindled, don’t delay calling the Holy Spirit to the scene. He is the Paraclete, the one we call to our side to help us in time of need. He knows how to extinguish the blaze and cool us down. He is God’s “firefighter.” Stay in the stream of His living waters until the fire in your heart is completely out.